Apparatus for assorting record cards, sheets, and the like



SHEETS, AND THE LIKE May 11, 1943. D. BROIDO APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS,

filed Aug. '25, 1940 13 Sheets-Shea}. 1

I i J Fig.1.

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APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 23, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig.6.

/n ventor May 11, 1943; D. BROIDO 2,319,103

APPARATUSFOR ASSORTING RECC'RD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 23, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 5 50 26 54 21A 5 Fig.2. 54 55 4 Mme/Mar y 11, 1943- D. BROIDO 2,319,108

APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug 23,1940 l3 Sheets-Sheet 4 Fig. 3.

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APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 25, 1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 5 F y-4. Fig. 3A.

I19 I30 I34 I35 l 1/ Attorney May 11, 1943. D. BROIDO APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 23, 1940 15 Sheets-Sheet 6 Mventar' lttorhey y D. BROIDO 2,319,108

APPARATUS FOR ASSORTI-NG RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 25,1940 1s Sheets-Shet 7 hwer/tar D BROIDO APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE 13 Sheets -Sheet 8 Filed Aug. 25, 1940 May 11, 1943. D. BRQIDO 0 APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 25. '1940 13 Sheets-Sheet 9 Fig 11.

//7 a e/Mar D. BRQIDO May 1 1, 1943.

APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS SHEETS, AND THE LIKE 13Sheets-Sheet 10 Filed Aug. 25, 1940 FigIIA.

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APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Filed Aug. 25, 1946 1s Sheets-Sheet 12,

Fig. 14.

NAME

Male 1 Female r 2 ADDR5$. Z 6r. Bri/a/n: 5 Br/T, Oversa: 4

Abroad 4 99 Under 151 6 17-25: 7 26-55: 8 56-45: 9 over 35- 10 HEALTH! Gear/"11 Medium 1 12 Bad! FAMILY! Married 14 Single 15 1 I 2 U 3 I 4 [I 4 E Duc4T/0/v-' ft fiz 4u jyyfa fiuflunu 5 I] 6 [I 7 g e/ementary: 16 sec ondaryl 17 5 evening classes: 18 nwe sity 19 9 [I 1 I] 11 I 12 U 45 TECHNICAL mA/-/NG ;L4 z-- 15 E] 14 [I 15 I 16!] 3 mechanic 20 e/ectrvclan 21 g fitter: Z2 welder 23 17 I 18 U 19 [I 20D 3 turner.- 24 drauyhl'sman: 25 21. 22E] 2s[:|.2 |l g LANGUAGES '1- 98 French 26 Span/5h 27 25B 26. 27C] 2813 2 Russ/an: 28 German. 29 q 29]]5051U52E] t, SPECIAL TRAINING! 4 .2 Rad/o: I 40 Car drIYinq= 51 55B 54B 55B 56- 3 Riding: 52 Fir-sf Aid. 53

" 57.54am 59. 40B REGISTRATION No-' 7 41 U 42]] 4 5. 4g HUNDREDS TENS UN/TJ I46U47I48U 0 54, 55 59, 0 5 z 54 56 59 ,41 44,46 2 54,57 59,42 44,47 5 54,58 59,45 44,48 4 55,55 40,41 45,46 5 55, 57 40,42 45,47 6 55, 58 4o ,45 45,48 7 55,57 41,42 46,47 8 56,58 41 ,45 46,48 9 57, 58 42 ,45 7,48

REMARKS J/ &G$'4ZZ J4MU PERSONAL m5 N0: 2 f

Inventor May 11, 1943. D. BROIDO APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE l3 Sheets-Sheet 13 Filed Aug. 23, 1940 Fig.17.

Fig. 18.

2 Hm Fig. 19. 1a2|189 70 76 Patented May 11, 1943 OFFICE Y APPARATUS FOR ASSORTING RECORD CARDS, SHEETS, AND THE LIKE Daniel Broido, London, England Application August 23,

In Great Britain August'29,

9- Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for assorting record cards, sheets and the like of the kind in which the recorded information is represented by differently positioned marks having a transparency difierent from that of the carrier, the records being fed into an analysing position between a source of radiant energy and a device sensitive to the radiant energy, in' which position the marks on the record are analysed by a rotary scanning member disposed between the source of radiant energy and the sensitive device, which latter controls a sorting flap.

The broad object of the invention is to provide, in apparatus of the kind referred to, a scanning member which will permit of providing a simple, cheap and reliable sorting apparatus.

A further object of the invention is to provide a single control member which can be used to provide for a number of different asserting operations.

Further objects of the invention are to provide a rapid scanning cycle permitting a maximum output; to provide apparatus which can be readily and simply combined with a printing device,

' whereby the cards, sheets or the like fed into the machine can be printed either simultaneously with the sorting operation or independently thereof; and, finally, to provide a sorting apparatus which can be readily incorporated in known types of ofiice printing machines.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 and 1A together represent a vertical longitudinal section through a preferred embodiment of the invention, taken on line I-I of Figure 2;

Figure 2 is vertical transverse section on line II-II of Figure 1, the drum being turned so that a row of scanning holes is in the plane of the figure;

Figures 3 and 3A together represent a sectional plan view taken substantially on line III-III, Figure 1 with the drum rotated through an angle of about 180 from the position shown in Figure 1. I

Figures 4 and 5 are'detail views, illustrating respectively in development, and in section, the arrangement of scanning holes; 1

Figures 6 and 7 are detail views illustrating respectively in sectional elevation, and in plan view, an alternative cancelling device for the scanning holes; I

Figure 8 is a partial side view of the machine with the cover removed, illustrating thearrange- 1940, Serial No. 353,903

ment of the electromagnet and the re-setting device; f

Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the electrical connections; I

Figures 10 and 10A together illustrate a mbdification of Figure 1;

Figures 11 and 11A together represent a sectional plan view taken substantially on line XI--XI, Figure 10, with the drum rotated through an angle of about from the position shown in Figure 1.

Figure 12 illustrates a master sheet suitable for use with the arrangement of Figures 10 and 11;

Figures 13 and 14 are examples of records which can be used with apparatus according to the invention;

.Figures 15 and 16 are detail views in sectional elevation and plan, respectively, of a modification;

Figure 17 is a side view, similar to Figure'8, 0! a modification;

Figure 18 is a section om line XVIII--XVIII, Figure 1'7, and

Figure 19 is a section on line XIX-.-XIX, Figure 18.

Referring first to Figures 1, 2 and 3, the side frames I, 2 of the machine are braced together by means of a number of tie-rods 3, thus forming a supporting structure fixed to legs 4, a cover 5 being fixed to legs 4 and to side frames I, 2. The sheet feeding and guiding ineans now to be described are substantially identical with those described in British patent specification No. 499,800

in connection with a printing machine comprising a rotary printing couple. This mechanism forms no part of the present invention, and may, moreover, be replaced by any other suitable known feeding and guiding mechanism. In the circumstances this mechanism is illustrated in the ac-, companying drawings only suiliciently to enable the general, operation of the [mechanism to be understood, and reference should be made, for a more complete description, to the above mentioned patent specification. In general, as shown in the drawings, the mechanism comprises a paper container, formed by a supporting table 6, side plates 1, and backplate 8, supported between the frame plates I, 2. The paper-container can be moved up and down by means of racks 9, depending from each side of the table 8, and driven by pinions l0, rollers I I, mounted in the supporting table 6, being arranged for vertical movement in slots I2 in the side frames l, 2. The up and down movement of the paper container is-efrected periodically depending on the thickness of sheets on the table 6.

As indicated in Figure 1, the paper feed is of the type in which the top sheet I3 is first separated by buckling it between the feed roller l4 and astop bar l5 (or the back plate 8), thereby withdrawing it from underneath spring-loaded fingers l6, whereupon the feed roller l4 reverses its movement and causes the paper sheet I3 to pass over the top of the fingers l6 and between guides I1, I 8 on to stops I 9 carried on paper aligning fingers 28 pivotally mounted in a gap of the drum 2|. The means for operating the feed roller l4, as also the means for operating the pinions III, are not shown in the drawings but are fully described in specification No. 499,800.

The aligning fingers 28 are secured to a shaft 22 journalledin brackets 23 fixed to the drum 2|. the shaft 22 is an arm 24 carrying a mild?! which co-operates with a stationary cam 28 secured to the side frame I of the machine.

The forward edge of the sheet I3 is aligned by the fingers 28, the rotation of the drum relatively to the cam 26 causing the fingers to close under the influence of a spring 200 so as to bring the foremost end of the sheet into contact with the adjacent edge of the gap in the drum 2|, whereby, as the drum turns, the sheet is engaged between the drum 2| and 'a counterroller- 21. The feed roller I4 is periodically moved up and down, being raised out of contact with the sheet immediately after its counterclockwise rotation, at which time the sheet is gripped between the drum 2| and counterroller 21. This is effected by means of a cam 38 acting on a roller 38 journalled in arms 31 supporting the shaft of the roller |4. Further rotation of the drum advances the paper sheet,

33, 34 respectively.

According to the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figures 1-3 the drum 2| and the roller 21 are substituted for the rotary printing couple described in the above mentioned specification No. 499,800, and the remainder of the machine now to be described has been designed for the purpose of carrying out the present invention.

The counter-roller 21 comprises two parts, made of suitable material such as rubber, rigidly mounted in spaced relationship, and maintained in resilient contact with the drum 2| by means of springs 89 arranged to act on extensions of blocks 48 supporting the shaft 38 and slidably mounted in .slots 4| in the side frames 2 (Figure 8). The lower ends of the springs 89 rest in recesses in adjusting nuts 42 threaded into brackets 43 secured to the side frames.

For the purpose of easy assembly the drum 2| consists of two cylindrical segments 2|A and 2|B supported by hubs 44, 45 (Figure 2) rotatably mounted respectively on bearing bushes 46, 41, on a stationary shaft 48 mounted in the side frames 2 and held against rotation by screws 49. The cam '35 and a driving gear 59 are secured to the hub 44 by means of screws 5|,

and a cam 52 is secured to the hub 45 by means of screws 83. The segments 2| A, 2|B, which are approximately semi-cylindrical, are secured to the hubs 44, 46 by means of screws-I4, suitable holes 56 being provided in the side frames I, 2 and also in the driving gear 58 to permit of easy access to the various screws. The driving gear 58 meshes with a pinion 58 (Figure 1) rotatably mounted on a trunnion 51 secured to the side frame I. A pulley 58 is fixed to the pinion 68 and is driven by a belt 69 from a motor pulley 66, the motor 6| being supported by a bracket 62 pivotally mounted on a tie-rod 63 secured to the machine legs 4. A suitable tightness of the belt 69 can be obtained by adjusting a screw 64 threaded into a bracket 65 secured to the support 4.

The pinion 56 meshes with a pinion 66 rigidly mounted on the shaft 34 of the upper feed-roller 32. The feed-rollers 3|, 32 eject the paper sheet l3 into a channel formed by guides 61, 88 secured to the side frames; On passing this channel the paper sheet is guided by a flap 69, the operation of which is hereafter described, into one of the receptacles 10, 1|.

An electric lamp 12 is mounted in a socket 13 (Figure 2) fixed to a bracket 14 secured by a screw 15 to the side frame 2 below the drum 2|. The lamp 12 is enclosed by a casing 18 provided with a slot 11, so that a beam of light is projected substantially vertically upwards on to a mask 18 secured to the frame work of the machine and provided with a comparatively narrow slot 18. Thus, after passing through the slot 19, the light beam illuminates a narrow area on the circumference of the drum 2|.

The inner surface of the casing. 16 is preferably made refiectant and, if desired, suitable lenses may be arranged in the casing in order to produce a highly concentrated beam of light.

A photocell is mounted in a socket 8| fixed to a bracket 82 which is clamped by means of a yoke 83 and screws 84 to the stationary shaft 48 (Figure 1), so that the photocell 88 is positioned substantially in the plane of the light beam. A suitable casing 85 which opens downwardly is fixed to the bracket 82. 'A hole 86 is drilled into the shaft 49 for the leads 81 which connect the photocell 80 to an amplifier device 88 mounted on cross bars 4, fixed to brackets ||6 secured to the supports 4 of the machine (Figure 1), and comprising the necessary power supply, valves, resistances, condensers and other electric appliances, the arrangement of which is well known and need not be described in detail.

A portion of the drum wall 2|B is cut away and is replaced by an inset 89, see Figures 4 and 5. The inset 89 fits closely into a recess of the drum section 2|B and is secured in position by counter-sunk screws 99. A number of scanning holes 9| is provided in the inset 89. In the embodiment shown in the drawings. thirty-six holes 9| are provided, arranged in twelve rows, each vof three holes; however, any other number or arrangement may be used. Detachable plugs 92 may be removably inserted into the holes 9| so as to fit closely therein, these plugs being slightly tapered, so that, when the drum is in rotation, centrifugal force holds the plugs firmly in position.

Any one of the holes 9| may be cancelled or covered by inserting a plug 92, or the hole may be opened by withdrawing the plug. As the plugs can be withdrawn only inwardly, the inset 89 'which'is associated must be taken of! before manipulating the plugs, and normally a number of spare insets 89 would be provided, so that a-reserve inset can be pre-' pared by pluggingor deplugging the required holes, while the machine is running on another segregating Job.

To ensure that the plugs do not drop out while the machine is working, they may be threaded into the inset 99, or they may be provided with spring-loaded latching or locking devices, wellknown per se.

An alternative cancelling device for the scanning holes 9| is shown in Figures 6 and 7. Each hole is countersunk as at 93 and a small lid .99 is pivotally mounted on a screw 95, threaded into the inset 89. The lid 94 is made of a steel spring or similar suitable material, and it is provided with a pip 99 adapted to engage in the top of the hole and secure the lid 94 in position. To-open the lid a screw-driver is inserted between the lid and the side of the recess 93, and a slight tilting movement of the tool will cause the lid 94 to swing into the position shown in Figure '7, whereupon the pip 96 enters a shallow depression or counter-sink 91 and holds the lid in the open position. This arrangement has the advantage that the holes 91 can be opened or closed as desired without taking off the inset 99.

An example of a record suitable for use in the machine according to the present invention is shown in Figure 13, which illustrates a filled-in football pool coupon. The'coupon is printed on paper which is partially transparent, and it represents a list of twelve football matches to be played, marked respectively L4! in the column on the left, the names of the two teams taking part in each match being printed in the second column.

Each match is associated with a row of three squares or index points 99, thus forming three vertical columns of squares or index points marked respectively Home 1, Away 2 and Draw X. Coupons of this kind are filled in by marking one of the three squares in line with each match to indicate what inthe opinion of the person filling in the coupon-will be the result of the match, i. e. whether the result will be a win for the team playing on the home ground, or a win for the team playing away from the home ground, or a draw. In the present case the selection of the three possible results is indicated by inking in or otherwise blacking out one of the three squares. Thus on the coupon shown in the case of match i the square under the heading Draw X has been inked in to indicate that the -person filling in the form expects the result of the match between the teams Leeds United- Sheflield Wednesday to be a draw, and so on. The square thus inked in has a transparency which is different to that of the uninked squares or index points. When the coupon has been completed by inking in one of the three squares associated with each match, the coupon is returned to the issuing oflice, and, subsequently, when the matches have been played and the results known, those coupons which have been filled in correctly must be segregated from those which have been incorrectly filled in. For this purpose, all coupons are piled up in the paper stack 9 of the machine. The scanning holes 9| of the drum 2i, each of with a correspondingly positioned square or index point 99 on the coupon [9, are now set or selected according to the correct solution, namely, one hole 9! in each row oi three holes in the inset 99 is opened for the winning team or for a draw, as the case may be, the machine is then set in rotation, and one couponafter another is fed through the machine. As the drum 2| rolls upon the coupon, each row of squares 99 is brought in succession into the scanning plane in line with the slot 19 where it is aligned with a corresponding row of scanning holes 9|. If a coupon corresponds exactly to the correct solution, each open hole II will be cancelled or obturated by the black mark on the corresponding square, and consequently, practically no light from the source 12 will penetrate to the cell. However, ii the analysed coupon is marked incorrectly, one or more of the scanning holes 9! will not be cancelled, as the corresponding square or squares on the coupon has or have not been made opaque, and light will accordingly penetrate through the paper through one or more holes 9| to the photocell 80. This illumination of the photocell effects the rejection of themcorrectly marked records in a manner to be fully described hereafter.

Another type of record is illustrated by way of example in Figure 14, wherein the questionary form there shown has printed on it, on the left, certain data comprising a number of questions, the answers to which are to be filled in; and, on the right, a table or record 99 of squares or index points 98 comprising twelve rows, each row consisting of four index points. The answers to each question contained in the printed data such as "address," age, health and the like can be grouped in a certain manner, all required groups being provided for on the form, and each group being numbered from 1-33 respectively. The index points 98 are numbered 1-48 respectively, each index point 1-33 being relevant to the correspondingly numbered group of answer, and the index points 34-48 being associated with a code, as hereafter described. When filling in the form the group corresponding to a correct-answer to each question is underlined and the index point associated with the underlined answer is inked or blacked in. Thus, the form shown refers to.

a Male and the number associated with this group is 1; accordingly Male l" is underlined and the index point marked 1 is inked in. The printed data may of course include matter which does not require to be marked on the table 99, such as Remarks and the like. The inking in of the index points should completely cover these points but may extend somewhat beyond the area of the index point as shown at index point 38. r

The arrangement of index points shown in Fi ure 14 is suitable for use with a 5-point code, as illustrated in the table in the lower left hand corner of the figure. In the example given the digital values (l'9 are represented, for units, by combinations of index points numbered "-99, for tens,- by combinations of index points numbered 39-43, and, for hundreds, by combinations of index points 34-99. This five-point code is utilised in the example given for recording the registration number, namely 735, the corresponding index points 39, 31; 39, I3, and 49, 41 being inked in.

If the machine is to be used for segregating records of the kind shown in Figure 14, the inset, 99 should of course be adapted for this purpose, i. e. twelve rows, each of four holes 9|, should be provided, having the same spatial relationship as the index points 99. It will be understood that the records must be printed with a certain degree of accuracy and that prior to the segregating operation the paper feed must be adjusted in' the customary manner by means of blank records both longitudinally and transversely, so that the squares 99 are correctly aligned with the corresponding scanning holes 8I when the coupons are fed through the machine. The means pro- The actual segregating operation controlled by the photocell 80 will now be described. The sorting fiap 69 is secured to a shaft I by means of set screws I 0| (Fig. 1A). The shaft I00 is rockably journalled in the side frames I, 2, and a lever I02 is rigidly mounted on the shaft I00 outside the side frame 2 (Figure 8). A spring I03 tends to swing the lever I02 anti-clockwise, and consequently the fiap 69 downwardly. A stud I04 on the lever I 02 co-operates with a latching nose I 06 on an armature I06 pivotally mounted as at I 01 and biased anti-clockwise by a spring I08. The armature I06 is bent to form a lip I09 (Figure 2) co-acting with an electromagnet IIO secured by means of a bracket III and screws I I2, II3, to the side frame 2. The electromagnet H0 is shown diagrammatically in co-ordination with the relevant parts of the machine in Figure 9, which also shows the electrical connections. In the normal position, e. g. when the photocell 80 is unilluminated, the electromagnet H0 is energised by current supplied from the amplifier 88 and it holds its armature I06 against the tension of the spring I08. In this position the lever I02 is latched by the armature I06 against the tension of the spring I03, and the flap 69 is in the upper position shown in full lines in Figures 1 and 9. The flap 69 remains in this position as long as the photocell 90 remains unilluminated, e. g. as long as correct records I3 pass through the machine and the open scanning holes 9| are cancelled by the corresponding black squares 96 on the records. When the photocell 80 is illuminated, the electrical impulse produced is amplified in the amplifier device 88 and energises a relay II6, which opens the contact I" and breaks the circuit II 8 of the electromagnet IIO. Consequently, the armature I06 is pulled away from the magnet IIO by the spring I08, whereby the lever I02 is unlatched and swings anti-clockwise under the infiuence of the spring I03, thereby moving the fiap 69 downwards. In this downward position of the flap 69, the paper sheet I3 travels over the top of the flap 69, whereas in the upper position of the fiap 69 the paper sheet travels underneath the fiap. As shown in Figure l, the correct records, e. g. such recordswhich pass underneath the flap 69, drop into the bin 10 reserved for correct records, whereas the sheets passing over the top of the fiap 89 travel into the bin II for incorrect records.

The mechanism for re-setting the armature I06 and the fiap 69 is shown in Figure 8. When the armature I06 is released by the magnet H0, it is swung by the spring I08 on to a stop H9, and the lever I02 is swung by spring I03 on to a stop I secured to the side frame 2. A pushrod I H is arranged to slide in a bearing I22 secured to the side frame 2. One end of the pushrod I2I is connected by means of a shank screw I23 to the lower end of a swing lever I24 pivoted at I26 and biased clockwise by a spring I26. The upper end of the lever I24 carries a roller I21 protruding through a slot I28 in the side frame 2 so as to co-operate with the cam 62 fixed to the hub 46 of the drum 2I. The arrangement is such that after the passage of each sheet between the drum 2| and the counter roller 21, the cam 62 causes the lever I24 to swing counter-clockwise. The lower end of the lever I 24 is slotted as at I29, so that the shank screw I23, sliding in the slot I29, forces the push-rod I2I to shift to the right. The push-rod I2I carries on its outer end a bush I30 adapted to slide along the rod I2I, the bush being held against rotation by a pin I3I carried on the rod I2I and projecting into a slot in the bush I30. A spring I32 normally presses the bush I30 against the stop I33 fixed to the push rod I2I. The bush I30 carries a finger I34 arranged in line with the upper end of the lever I02. When the rod I2I is pushed to the right by lever I 24,-the finger I34 restores the lever I02 and swings it clockwise on to a stop I36, e. g. somewhat beyond the normal position shown in Figure 8, the rod I2I continuing its movement and compressing the spring I32. A further bush I36 is rigidly fixed to the rod I2I and has a finger I31 aligned with the upper end of the armature I06, and as the push-rod I2I continues to travel to the right, the finger I31 restores the armature I 06 by swinging it clockwise on tothe magnet IIO. In the meantime the lever I02 has been moved by the finger I34 slightly beyond its normal position, as above described, so that the stud I04 does not interfere with this resetting movement of the a mature I06. The cam 62 now restores the roller 21 so that the lever I24 swings clockwise again, and the push-rod I2I is withdrawn to the left; meanwhile the magnet H0 is again energised and the armature I06 remains attracted and latches the lever I02 in the position shown in Figure 8, the fiap 69 being now again in the upper position, in which it will remain so long as correct records I3 pass through the machine, during which time the push-rod I2I moves idly to and fro.

If the number of holes 9| is considerable, the manipulation of the plugs 92 or lids 94 for the required set-up may take an appreciable amount of time. The set-up may be speeded up by adopting the modification shown in Figures 10-12. According to this modification, a number of lugs I38 are fixed adjacent the gap of the drum 2|, these lugs being adapted to enter openings I39 of a master sheet I40 (illustrated in Figure 12) of opaque material such as strong paper, or metal sheet. A retaining bar I,

carrying a number of prongs I42, is mounted on' 'the other side of the gap in two arms I43 pivotedon the sides of the drum 2I as at I44. Springs I46 tend to swing the retaining bar I inwardly. The master sheet I40 is positioned on the lugs I38 and then wrapped around the drum 2|, whereupon the operator grasps the retaining bar I, rocking it about its pivot I44,

. and inserts the prongs I42 into openings I3'9A formed on the other end of the master sheet I48. In the present case it is assumed that the master sheet is to be used for segregating records marked similarly to the record of Figure 11. If the inset were used, those holes 9I corresponding to the inked or blackened index points 98 would be left open, and all the remaining holes 9| would be covered or obturated. When the master sheet is used, it is utilised to cover all the holes 9I which would be otherwise obturated by the plugs or lids above described, and slots I46 are made in the opaque sheet in places above those holes 9| which would be left open. Thus, the slots I46 are provided for the required selection only, namely, onlyv for such squares 98 which have been blacked out on the correct record I3, and the master sheet I40 represents an equivalent and alternative cancelling device for the plugs 92 or lids 94. The operation of the machine is exactly the same as already described, and the'arrangement of the component parts is the same as in Figures 1-9.

The master sheets I40 can be readily stored away and kept for future use. The use of master sheets is particularly advantageous when repeated segregating operations are required with the same set-up comprising a great number of scanning holes.

It will be noted that the photocell 80 responds only to such squares 98 which have been left blank. Consequently, if by any chance all squares 98 on a record have been blacked out, this record will be segregated as a correct record, no matter what the set-up of the machine may be. In the case of football pools, for example, all the index points on a coupon may be blacked out with fraudulent intent. In order to eliminate this difiiculty, the selected records should be checked up visually, or by means of another selective operation; so as to get rid of completely black records. For.this additional selection, all scanning holes 9I should be opened, and the machine will consequently segregate as correct only completely black records, the remaining records being those filled in in the prescribed manner. Alternatively, the second selection may be effected with regard to one of the two squares in each row which should remain blank. If this operation is repeated for the second square to remain blank, the remaining or correct records will be only those which are marked in the correct squares and are not marked in the wrong squares.

The master sheet I40 may be an opaque stencil, for example such as used in office printing machines, and may additionally be used for printing purposes, the matter to be printed being carried on that part of the stencil not occupied by the slots I46, and means being provided for applying ink to the stencil. Such means are incorporated in the modification shown in Figures 10 and 11, in which an ink-roller I41 is rotatably journalled in slots in the side frames I, 2, parallel to the axis of the drum 2|, and an ink trough I49. to prevent superfluous ink from dropping into the machine, is fixed by one or more screws I50 to a tie-rod 3. The ink roller I41 is held in contact with the stencil by means of springs I48 anchored in the side frames I, 2. As customary in office duplicators, the ink may be applied to the roller I41 by hand, for example with a brush, but an automatic inking device may be used. In order to prevent ink choking the slots I46 cut in the stencil, and the scanning holes 9| in the drum, 9. portion of the ink roller I41 equal in width to the inset 89, is reduced in diameter as shown at II.

The printing can be effected simultaneously ably mounted with the sorting operation,'or separately therefrom. If it is desired only to perform-a printing operation, the sorting device is set out of action "by switching off the amplifier 88. Thus the machine can be used for printing purposes alone in a manner similar to existing ofiice printing machines.

Sometimes it is desirable to segregate not only completely correct records, but also such records which contain a certain number of correctly filled-in items. With reference to the coupon shown in Figure 13, for instance, it may be desirable to segregate such coupons which are not completely correct, but contain a certain number of correct predictions, for example, any eleven correct results for the twelve matches.

This selection can be effected by the modified arrangement shown in Figure '17-19 in which a disc I53, fixed to the cam 52 previously described, is furnished with twelve tooth-like elevations I54, each elevation being associated with, and positioned at a fixed distance from, one row of scanning holes in the inset 89. pivotally mounted as at I56 and is biased anticlockwise by a spring the swing lever- I55 is arranged to protrude through a slot I58 in the side frame 2, this extension being shaped so as to co-operate with the elevations I54, on the disc I53. A link I59 connects the swing lever I55 to a bracket I60 pivotally mounted on a trunnion I6I secured to the side frame 2 by a nut I62. A pawl I63 is rockon the bracket I60 as at I64. A torsion spring I65 forces the pawl I63 into engagement with teeth on a ratchet wheel I66 rotatably mounted on the trunnion I6I. A clockspring I61, fixed at one end by means of a screw I68 to the trunnion I6I, a stud I69 secured to the ratchet wheel I66, tends to turn the ratchet wheel I66 anti-clockwise. A detent I10 mounted on the extended shaft I00 of the flap 69 is forced by a pressure spring I1l into engagement with the ratchet wheel I66 so as normally to hold it against rotation, the spring I1I being mounted in a recess in a bracket I12 secured to the side frame 2. A disc I13, mounted on a hub of the ratchet wheel I66, to which it is fixed by means of screws I14, has a recess I15 co-operating with a lever I16, rigidly mounted on a shaft I00, and pressed into contact with the disc I13 by a pressure spring I11, mounted in a recess of the bracket I12. A washer I18 fixed by a screw I18 to the trunnion I6I prevents the disc I13 from slipping off the trunnion. A camlike member I is rockably mounted on the trunnion I6I and is connected, as at I8I, to the plunger I82 of the solenoid magnet I83, which is energised and de-energised in exactly the same manner as the magnet IIO (Figure 9). A tension spring I84 anchored in the side frame 2 tends to swing the cam member I80 clockwise, the arrangement being such that when the'solenoid I83 is energised, it overcomes the tension of the spring I84 and holds the cam member I80 in the position shown in Figures 17-19. If, however, the solenoid I83 is de-energised by an impulse received from the photocell 80 when the latter is illuminated, the spring I84 swings the cam member I80 50 that a stud I85 fixed to the pawl I63 rlisots on the elevated portion of the cam member The lever I16 normally rests on the periphery of the disc I13, thus holding the flap 69 in the lower position, shown in Figure 17. When the machine is set in motion, an elevation I54 causes the swing lever I55 to swing clockwise immediately after a row of squares 98 has been-analysed. If this row of squares 98 has been correctly filled in, the photocell will remainaunil A swing lever I55 is I56. An extension I51 of and at the other end to of the cam member I86 and the pawl I63 is free to engage the ratchet wheel I66. If, now, the bracket I66 is rocked clockwise bythe link I58,

the, pawl I63 will turn the ratchet wheel I66 one step in the clockwise direction. If, however, the scanned row of squares 88 contained a wrong result, the photocell 86 will be illuminated, the solenoid I83 will be de-energised, and the cam member I 86 will swing clockwise under the action of spring I88, so that its elevated portion will push the stud I85 outwardly, thus disengaging the pawl I63 from the ratchet wheel I66. If now the bracket I66 is rocked clockwise by lever I66 and rod I58, the nose of the pawl I63 will skip the tooth on the ratchet wheel I66 and the ratchet wheel will remain stationary. Thus, it will be seen that the ratchet wheel I66 and the disc I18 will be stepped clockwise whenever the analysed row of squares 88 contains a correct result, and they will remain stationary whenever the scanned squares 88 are not correctly marked. The recess I16 in the disc I13 is arranged at such a distance from the nose of the lever I16 that it is aligned with the nose after the requisite number of steps of the ratchet wheel I66, e. g. after the requisite number of correct results has been ascertained, in the present example eleven. When the recess I15 is aligned with the lever I16, the spring I11 causes the lever I16 to swing into the recess, thereby swinging the sorting flap 68 upwards, so that the analysed sheet I3 after being ejected from the machine is caused to pass underneath the flap 68 into the bin 16 for correct records. If in the whole scanning operation the total number of correct results on the coupon was less than eleven, the recess I15 would not reach the lever I16 at all, and the flap 68 will remain in the lower position, so that the coupon, when ejected, will pass over the top of the flap 68 into the bin H for wrong records.

The lever I16 has an extension I86 adapted to open a switch I 81 in the circuit of'the solenoid I83 whenever the lever I16 swings clockwise into the recess I 16 in the disc I13. Thus, once the ilap 68 has been swung open, the solenoid I83 will remain de-en'ergized without regard to the action of the photocell, holding the cammember I66 in the position which renders the pawl I63 inoperative, as already described, so that the ratchet wheel I68 will remain stationary for the rest of the scanning cycle. After a sheet has been ejected, a push-rod I 88 is shifted by the swing lever I28, previously described, to the right, thereby moving the lever I16 out of the recess I16, and the detent I16 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel I 66. The clock spring I61 is now free to restore the ratchet wheel I66 and the disc I13 to the starting position on to a stationary stop I88, secured on a standard I86 fixed to the side frame 2, whereby the switch I61 is again closed, and the parts are in position to start another scanning cycle as the next record is fed into the scanning position.

It will be evident that the position of the recess I16 relatively to the starting position of the disc I13 is determined by the desired number of correct results on the coupon I3. A set of discs I13 may be provided with differently positioned recesses I16, corresponding for example to eleven, ten or other number of correct results. The required selection is prepared by taking oi! the screw I18 and the retaining washer I18 and by fixing the appropriate disc I18 to the ratchet wheel I66 by means of the screws I18.

The sorting device forming the subject of the present invention may be incorporated if desired in all known kinds of rotary drum oflice printing machines employing one or more drums, irrespective of whether the printing is efl'ected from a stencil, or offset form, or letter type. In the case of machines where the member equivalent to the counter roller 21 described herein is a drum, the lamp 12 can suitably be positioned inside this drum, provision being made in the drum for the passage of light.

In the case of machines fitted with a printing device, the records such as the coupon I3, or form 88, may be printed in the same machine in which, after being filled in, they are to be sorted. If the machine is to be used for purposes other than printing such coupons or forms, the whole surface of the drum 2I may be made available for printing by replacing the apertured inset 88 by a plain inset, the ink-roller I81 having the recess I6I being also replaced by a plain roller.

It is customary in oflice printing machines to provide counters attached to the paper feed and adapted to count the number of sheets passed through the machine. Such a counter may readily be used in a machine according to the present invention. In addition, a counter may be attached on the delivery side of the machine to be operated by the lever I62 on the shaft I66 of the sorting flap 68. This counter would operate every time the flap 68 closes, e. g. it would count all records which do not correspond to the set-up of the scanning holes 8i. If it is desired only to count records of a certain description without actually sorting them, the sorting flap 18 may be put out of action by loosening the set screws "I so that it is no longer operated by the lever I62.

It will be evident that the described arrangement can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, the position of the photocell 86 and the lamp 12 may be reversed; the electro-magnet I I8 may be arranged to attract the armature I66 instead of releasing it, when actuated by the photocell; the photocell 86 may be arranged to respond not to light but to absence of light; and the black marks on semi-transparent records I8 may be replaced by transparent marks or slots on otherwise non-transparent records.

The photocell 88 and the lamp 12 may be replaced by equivalent devices sensitive to, and generating respectively, other kinds of radiant energy for instance infra-red rays, it the records are made of a material adapted to influence the free passage of radiant energy used.

What I claim is:

1. Apparatus for asserting record cards and like sheets in which the recorded information is represented by a pattern comprising diil'erently positioned marks having a, transparency diiierent from that of the record sheet, comprising, in combination, a source of radiant energy, a device sensitive to said radiant energy, a rotaryscanning member disposed between the source oi radiant energy and the sensitive device, said rotary scanning member comprising means for setting up a definite pattern by selectively blocking light transmitting areas corresponding to light transmitting areas of a card pattern to be accepted, means for feeding the record sheets into an analysing position between the source of being analysed by a rotary scanning member ably secured to the'drum and having a plurality of scanning apertures, the arrangement being such that when in position on the drum each scanning aperture in the opaque sheet is aligned with a scanning aperture in the drum.

6. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rotary scanning member comprises a drum having a portion of its wall perforated with a plurality of scanning apertures, and further comprising means for -selectively obturatin said apertures in order to modify the set-up of the drum, said means comprising an opaque sheet adapted to be detachably secured to the dnm co-operating with a source of radiant energy and a device sensitive to this radiant energy. said device controlling a sorting'flap, a rotary scanning member comprising means for setting up a definite pattern by selectively blocking light transmitting areas corresponding tolight trans? mitting areas of a card pattern to be accepted and and having a plurality-of -scanningapertures, 'the arrangement being such thatwhen in position i on the each scanpmg aperture '1113' the op'aqudsheet is aligned with a scanning aperture'in; the drum, the imperforate portion of the opaque sheet carryin g matter to} be printed having a plurality of rows of scanning apertures arranged respectively to scan successively corresponding rows of marks on the record sheet when the latter is fed through the analysing position, all the marks in one row on the record sheet '7. Apparatus according -to;' claim f further comprising an eiectro-magnetdor controllin under the influence of the sensitive'device, the

movement ofthe sorting flap, and cam means operating in synchronism with the scanning being scanned simultaneously, and means for feeding the record sheets successively into the analysing position so that all rows of marks on one record sheet are scanned during one revolution of the scanning member.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rotary scanning member comprises a drum having its wall perforated with a plurality of scanning apertures and further comprising means for selectively obturating said apertures in order to modify the set-up of the drum.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 whereinthe rotary scanning member comprises a drum having its wall perforated with a plurality of scanning apertures and furthercomprising' separately operable obturating members for selectively cancelling said apertures.

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rotary scanning member comprises a drum having its wall perforated with a plurality of scanmodify the set-up of the drum, said means comprising an opaque sheet adapted to be detachmember to restore the armature of the electromagnet and the sortingflap, when they have been actuated, on the completion of .each scanning cycle. i

8. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising rotary selector means for controlling the movement of the sorting flap, and a magnetic device for controlling, under the influence of the sensitive device, the rotary selector means.

9. Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising rotary selector means for controlling the movement of the sorting flap, said rotary selector means comprising a selector disc, a pawl and ratchet arranged to rotate stepwise the selector disc, means for actuating the pawl after each scanning operation, a magnetic device under the influence of the sensitive device, and cam means, actuated by the magnetic device, to control the engagement and disengagement of the pawl and ratchet device in order to control the rotation of the selector disc in conformity with the results produced by the successive scanning operations.

DANIEL BROIDO. 

